Courtesy of WVSU Athletics
INSTITUTE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State University (WVSU) Athletic Department and Football program are mourning the loss of Jyilek Harrington, whose life was lost Wednesday evening during an incident that occurred off-campus. The incident is currently being investigated by law enforcement as a home invasion and homicide.
Harrington was a senior member of the Yellow Jacket football team. Before Friday’s football home opener, a moment of silence will be held to honor him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jyilek’s family as they mourn the loss of this incredible young man,” President Ericke S. Cage said in a letter to students and faculty.
“In remembrance of Jyilek, and in support of our football team, I am encouraging all students, faculty, and staff to attend [tomorrow’s football game at noon] against Carson-Newman University, where Jyilek also once played,” Cage said.
“Jyilek truly embodied what it means to be a student-athlete and was a leader not only on campus but in the community. Jyilek was a young man that, during Christmas, would create a GoFundMe to help less fortunate families,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Nate Burton. “The athletic department is creating a fund in memory of Jyilek and all donations will be distributed to an organization in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina to continue his work.” To donate to the Jyilek Harrington Memorial Fund, please visit https://give.wvstateu.edu/JyilekHarrington.
“We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, coaches, and teammates during this difficult time,” Burton said.
“Carson-Newman joins West Virginia State in mourning the untimely passing of former student-athlete Jyilek Harrington,” Carson-Newman’s Vice President of Athletics Matt Pope said in a statement. “The Harrington family and the Yellow Jackets’ campus community is in our prayers. News like this is sad to hear anytime, but today it feels worse with two teams who knew him coming together to play.”
Counseling is available through Counseling and Wellness Services, located on the first floor of Sullivan Hall, East. The office can be reached at (304) 766-3168 or counseling@wvstateu.edu.
UPDATE 2:45 P.M. – Tonight’s West Virginia State University home opener against the Carson-Newman Eagles has been postponed to Friday afternoon at Noon. The kickoff was originally scheduled for Thursday night at 6 p.m. Both teams will participate in a private vigil tonight.
All online tickets sold for tonight’s game will be accepted for entry tomorrow. Any ticket holders that are unable to attend the game can contact the sports information office at West Virginia State to receive online credits equaled to the number of purchased tickets that will be good for tickets to any home football game this season, with the exception of the homecoming game against Concord on Oct. 12. Unfortunately, WVSU cannot offer cash or credit card refunds.